James J. “Jim” Carnes, age 76 years, of Great Bend, Kansas passed away at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2023. Jim was born on March 19, 1947 at Baldwyn, Mississippi to Tom and Lennie (Seale) Carnes. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Jim served aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. A Great Bend resident since 1998, coming from Winwood, Pennsylvania, Jim worked as a Security System and Fire Alarm System Installer for over 30 years, mostly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Memphis, Tennessee, and in Mississippi. Jim was united in marriage to Jan L. Clawson on September 13, 1996 at Frederick, Maryland. Since moving to the High Rise in Great Bend, Jim had worked 4 years as Maintenance Security Officer and Night Manager at the High-Rise. He loved to work with his hands to build furniture and fix things, loved gardening and growing flowers, and was a lover of animals the great outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Jan L. Carnes of Great Bend, Kansas and one sister, Jeanette of Mississippi, along with his faithful Chocolate Labrador Tyson (also known affectionately as “Hound Dog”). Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and five siblings.
According to his wishes, cremation has been chosen and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the High Rise Meeting Room, 1101 Kansas Avenue, Great Bend, Kansas with Charles Bookout officiating. The family requests that Memorial Donations be directed to the James J. Carnes Funeral Expense Fund with Charter Funerals of Great Bend, Kansas in charge. Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com